Speedy
THIS MODEL WAS DESIGNED for advanced fliers who are comfortable with basic aerobatic maneuvers; those who like to fly fast, aerobatic, Club .20-type sport Pylon aircraft with less-expensive engines. This project took more than four years to complete. I have built seven of these models, and I've logged more than 400 flights. Landing gear is optional; it can be installed in the tail-dragger configuration, or omitted so the model can be hand-launched. Every model design is a compromise, and this one is no exception. The basic laws of physics show that every time speed doubles, drag squares. For this reason I left off the landing gear. This definitely makes a difference in the model's speed and maneuverability. The advantages include reduced drag, weight, building time, runway independence, reduced chance of crosswind disasters, and fuel savings.
Pluto
FIVE years ago, I decided to design a clean, simple profile sport-stunt plane for use with a 35 engine. Since then, I have built a total of six Plutos, making minor improvements along the way. There must have been something good in the basic design for me to stick with it for this amount of time, for I am not in the habit of building more than one plane of the same design, especially if the original flies no better than your average Thanksgiving turkey. Straightened out, the preceding sentence means that I think that Pluto flies fine, with its 44-inch wing span and 420 sq. in. wing area. All of the Plutos that I have built weighted in at 32 to 35 ounces, and I have never had to add weight to improve flyability. I would recommend this model to anyone who has acquired the basic building and flying skills necessary for the project. With the recent improvements in quality and availability of foam wings, I have added a second version of the design to include this feature.
